2006 Annual Conference: And Now, A Word From Our Critics

Our evening plenary addressed the questions: Are environmental journalists getting the climate change story wrong? Are we overly receptive to spin? Are we playing up the fear factor and skirting inconvenient uncertainties? Marc Morano, a staffer for Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), thinks liberal groups are funding scientists to exaggerate the dangers of climate change. An audience of ~250 packed the room to listen to his critique of SEJ members' reporting, the response from some of his targets, and the ensuing questions and comments from audience members — including NASA's James Hansen.

Moderator Christy George, Oregon Public Broadcasting producer, introduced panelists Bill Blakemore, senior correspondent with ABC News; Dan Fagin, associate professor of journalism and associate director of the Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program (SHERP) at New York University; Senator Inhofe's representative Marc Morano, who is director of communications for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee; and Andrew Revkin, environment reporter for The New York Times.